A white deer on the prowl

A white deer, appearing to be an albino white-tailed buck, recently ventured in the Western Albemarle yard of Susan Heald, who snapped this image on the morning of November 5. (Hunting season begins on Saturday, November 17.)

After we put this photo online, some helpful commenters noted that it may not be a true albino, but instead a leucistic deer, which is one missing all pigments (not just melanin).\

9 comments

City Resident November 16th, 2012 | 1:30pm

We've had an albino deer in the neighborhood for years. The other deer are very protective of it .
As long as it stays in the city it's chances of survival are good. Dogs are no match for deer but hunters are another matter .

Former Cville Resident November 16th, 2012 | 2:26pm

It's my understanding that most hunters won't shoot a white deer because it's bad luck. Pretty widespread superstition, at least around here - I think it comes from the legend of Virginia Dare down in NC....

C'ville Native November 16th, 2012 | 4:52pm

This one is in Western Albemarle and based on some (not all) hunters in this area, they are into the trophies and don't care about superstitions. Though they really should wait until this guy gets a little more size to him.

This is a gift of nature and should be allowed to exist so that all nature and animal lovers lucky enough might get the chance to see it. Why would anyone want to kill such a rare sight only to have it collecting dust on a wall somewhere that hardly anyone can enjoy? I curse the hunter that would take down this unique animal.

harrypotter November 18th, 2012 | 7:37pm

Expecto patronum!

Cville Eye November 20th, 2012 | 1:07am

There is also one that roams on the southern part of the city.

nancy November 23rd, 2012 | 4:33pm

THERE ARE 6 WHITE DEER NEAR OUR HOME IN PALMYRA .i WOKE ONE TO 2 IN MY BACK YARD SO BEAUTIFUL PLEASE LET THEM LIVE